Killer on run from Gwent prison a ‘danger to society’

A CONVICTED killer on the run from a Gwent prison was described as a ‘danger to society’ when he was given a life sentence for killing his partner almost 15 years ago.

Gwent Police are appealing for information to help locate 44-year-old Christopher Woodward who absconded from HMP Prescoed at around 8.44am on Friday, January 17. Specialist search officers and the air support unit are currently searching for him but so far there have been no reported sightings.

Yesterday the Argus reported Monmouthshire MP David Davies was calling on the prison service to ‘think carefully’ about who is put into open prisons.

But the Argus can now reveal Woodward was initially convicted of murder, before appealing and having it reduced to manslaughter.

Woodward was initially convicted of the murder of partner Jo-Ann Noble, 21, at Lincoln Crown Court in July 2000.

In December 2001 he had the conviction reduced to manslaughter and was given a new life sentence by the Court of Appeal.

At that time, Lord Justice Kennedy said Woodward was “a danger to society, especially women”.

The appeal court heard Woodward killed Jo-Ann after they argued on a night out on August 9, 1999.

The court heard Woodward wrapped Jo-Ann’s body in a duvet and left it in her bedroom for a week.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “We understand the concerns members of the public may have since Christopher Woodward absconded from HMP Prescoed on Friday, January 17.

“Since he absconded Gwent Police has been working closely with the prison authorities with a view of locating him.

“There may be a potential risk to the public due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.”

Woodward is described as being white, 5ft 10 inches tall and of medium build. He was clean shaven but may now have stubble growth, short cropped brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, blue shoes and a black bomber jacket.

If anyone sees him they are advised not to approach him but to call police on 101 quoting log 68 17/01/14.